Dickinson, North Dakota: natural disaster risk
How exposed Dickinson is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Stark County.
Dickinson is a city of 25,357 people in Stark County, North Dakota. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Stark County very low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are cold wave, inland flooding and hail, with about $14.5 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 494 storm reports in the county since 1952, including 26 tornadoes and 6 floods. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Stark County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Dickinson
Full Stark County report ›- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Ask about the roof age and any impact-rated shingles.
- Check your home policy for a separate wind and hail deductible.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Cold wave | $5M | |
| Inland flooding | $3M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Tornado | $1M | |
| Winter weather | $1M | |
| Strong wind | $758K | |
| Lightning | $517K | |
| Ice storm | $397K | |
| Heat wave | $103K | |
| Wildfire | $76K | |
| Earthquake | $26K | |
| Drought | $23K |
Homes in Dickinson
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Stark County
Other cities in North Dakota
All ›Common questions about Dickinson
Is Dickinson safe from natural disasters?
Dickinson is in Stark County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates very low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are cold wave, inland flooding, hail. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Dickinson?
By expected yearly losses in Stark County, the top hazards are cold wave (Moderate), inland flooding (Very Low), hail (Moderate). Stark County has been part of 14 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Dickinson get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 26 tornadoes in Stark County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on July 8, 2009 near Dickinson. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county low.
Do I need flood insurance in Dickinson?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Stark County, about 0.7% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk very low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.